The vampire met the deep green gaze steadily, no hint of regret at what he had spoken, and no intention of taking back his words. "Do you think I'd lie to you?"
He held Hermes close, hands stroking slowly over the fae's bare back.
"Why don't you deserve it?" he murmured. "You're everything I could want. You're loyal, attentive, devoted. You bring happiness and life to everyone around you. You can't have missed what a difference you've made here, sharp as you are."